Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a bed includes an elongate first leg having a first leg axis; an elongate second leg having a second leg axis and being pivotally connected to the first leg; a carriage assembly slidably connected to the first leg so as to be moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the first leg axis; a guide rail connected to the second leg and having a guide rail axis, the guide rail axis being at a non-zero angle to the second leg axis; and a moveable actuator configured to apply a force to the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a bed comprises a leg connecting a foot to a frame for supporting a mattress, the frame defining a support plane; an actuator; a drive linkage mechanism comprising a drive input link pivotally connected to the frame about a first pivot axis and a drive output link pivotally connected to the frame about a second pivot axis; and a leg linkage mechanism comprising a leg input link and a leg output link, the leg input link being pivotally connected to the frame about the second pivot axis and being coupled to the drive output link, and the leg output link being pivotally connected to the frame about a third pivot axis, and wherein a length of the leg input link is shorter than a length of the drive output link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of lifting mechanisms for beds, and beds incorporating such lifting mechanisms. A lifting mechanism for a bed comprises a leg connecting a foot assembly to a frame for supporting a mattress, the frame defining a support plane; and a linkage mechanism connected between the frame and the leg and configured to allow the frame to move with respect to the foot assembly in a direction perpendicular to the support plane between a raised position and a lowered position. In the lowered position the leg extends parallel to the support plane, and during movement of the frame between the raised and lowered positions the foot assembly does not move in a direction parallel to the support plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to lifting mechanisms. In particular this invention relates to lifting mechanisms for use in healthcare equipment such as beds.